Miniature Dachshund puppies are adorable bundles of energy, curiosity and a surprisingly large dose of mischief for such little legs. The secret to surviving those first months? Start training early! It gives them the solid foundation they need to become a happy, relaxed, and well-behaved family member.

This guide, written by our vets, walks you through those important steps, from the first essential “sit” commands to establishing the good habits that shape a wonderful temperament.

Why early training is really important

The first few months are a key time for learning. Early training helps your Mini Dachshund:

• Learn what’s okay and what’s not (like chewing the sofa, or tunnelling under the tablecloth)

• Feel confident when facing new situations and people

• Avoid the behaviour problems that can crop up down the line, especially barking, guarding and stubborn streaks

Short, fun, and consistent sessions are absolutely key here. Forget hour-long drills and aim for just 5 to 10 minutes, multiple times a day. Dachshunds thrive on routine, gentle guidance and positive reinforcement. Although they may occasionally pretend not to hear you!

Puppy milestones by age

Knowing what to expect at each stage makes training and socialisation a lot smoother.

8–12 weeks:
Your puppy is like a sponge, soaking up the world around them. Focus on gentle socialisation,  starting toilet training and introducing simple cues like sit or come in short, fun sessions. It’s also a time to get them used to being handled, which is especially important for a breed prone to back problems.

3–6 months:
This is the curious, high-energy phase. Continue socialising and start adding a bit more structure, like short obedience sessions, clear guidance and consistent routines. Miniature Dachshunds can be quick learners, but they’re equally quick to form bad habits, so consistency is key.

6–12 months:
Welcome to the teenage stage! This is a time when your pup tests boundaries, develops selective hearing or ‘forgets’ what they’ve learned. Dachshunds are famously (infamously?) independent, so stay patient and reinforce good manners and positive habits. It’ll pay off…eventually.

Crate training

A crate can become your puppy’s safe space and also help with house training. Most puppies settle into crate training within a few days, though some take a little longer.

Tips:

• Make it cosy: add their favourite blanket, a toy or two - whatever helps them to feel safe.

• Calming pheromone diffusers may help your puppy feel safe and calm.

• Encourage voluntary crate use with treats and lots of praise.

• Never use the crate for punishment.

• Start with short periods, and gradually increase the time.

Miniature Dachshunds often take very well to crates, especially when introduced gently, especially with a large blanket to tunnel under. It also helps protect their long backs by keeping jumping to a minimum.

Toilet training

With patience and consistency, your puppy will learn where and when it’s okay to go.

• Take your puppy outside frequently, especially after meals, naps and play

• Stay with them to build confidence

• Immediately praise and reward them when they get it right

• Watch for those unmistakable signs: sniffing, circling, the “I need to go!” dance, and rush them outside

• Clean accidents thoroughly with enzymatic cleaners, and avoid punishment

Toilet training can take a little longer with Mini Dachshunds. They're small, stubborn and easily distracted. But consistency pays off.

Teaching basic commands

Short, positive and consistent sessions help your puppy learn their first essential commands. Reward them immediately with praise, a cuddle, a favourite toy or a tasty treat, so they know exactly what they did right.

Start with sit, stay and come, keeping sessions fun and never punishing mistakes. You may notice your puppy pauses to think before they get it right. It’s a normal part of learning, although with dachshunds, that pause may also be them weighing up their options!

Tip: Watch treat portions! Too many can lead to weight gain. Dachshunds are particularly prone to carrying extra weight, which can put pressure on their long backs. Stick to vet-approved snacks and definitely avoid toxic foods, like chocolate or grapes.

Collar and lead training

Getting your puppy used to a collar, harness, and lead is important for safe and enjoyable walks for the whole family.

Step 1: Start indoors with a lightweight collar for short periods. Make sure it fits comfortably. The general rule is two fingers between the collar and neck. Some shaking or scratching is normal. Reward calm behaviour with praise or a small treat.

Step 2: Attach a lightweight lead and let your puppy drag it around under supervision. Encourage them to follow you and reward them with treats, toys or praise. Remember to keep sessions short.

Step 3: Train a “heel” command with a treat to encourage them to walk by your side. Practice at home and in the garden first, where there are fewer distractions. Use gentle guidance. Never tug or pull them. If your puppy pulls, stop and encourage them back to your side. Reward polite walking with treats, toys, or verbal praise.

Many dachshunds do best in a harness to protect their spine. It’s something worth considering early on in order to get them used to it.

Managing nipping and biting

Puppies explore the world with their mouths. Gentle, consistent guidance helps them learn what’s okay to chew.

• Keep a toy nearby during play. When those tiny, sharp teeth latch onto your hand (because they definitely will!), immediately redirect them toward the toy.

• Say a calm but firm “ouch” or stop play briefly if your puppy bites.

• Don’t use your hands or feet as toys, even in play, so your puppy doesn’t get mixed messages.

• Everyone in the household should respond the same way so your puppy learns faster.

Dachshunds are clever and mouthy by nature, so employing redirection early is especially helpful.

Introducing puppies to other pets and kids

Early socialisation helps puppies to feel comfortable around other animals and people:

• Introduce pets slowly and always under supervision

• Teach children to be gentle and to respect when your puppy wants a bit of space

Miniature Dachshunds can be bold and confident but may also be wary of rough handling, so it’s important that introductions are always calm and positive.

When to seek professional help

Every puppy is unique. Professional behaviourists or veterinarians can address behaviour concerns, health issues or specific training challenges. Seeking help early can save frustration and help your puppy thrive.

Puppy Q&A

Q: My puppy keeps jumping on people. How do I stop it?
A: Puppies often jump to greet or get attention. To stop it, turn away and ignore them when they jump, rewarding attention only when all four paws are on the ground. You can also use treats, praise, or cuddles to reinforce calm greetings.

Q: Can my puppy be around kids and other pets?
A: Yes! Introduce them slowly, supervise interactions, and reward calm behaviour. Teaching gentle handling to children is important.

Tips for success 

• Be consistent: Puppies thrive on routine and clear rules. Dachshunds are smart little dogs. Consistency prevents crafty bad habits from sneaking in.

• Use positive reinforcement: Praise, treats and affection work really well.

• Keep training short and fun: Multiple 5–10 minute sessions a day are more effective than one long session.

• Socialise early: Gradually introduce your puppy to people, pets and new environments to build their confidence.

• Sleep is important: Make sure your puppy is getting enough sleep. Tired puppies can become overstimulated and harder to train.

• Redirect unwanted behaviour: Teach calm, controlled alternatives early on to prevent habits like jumping or mouthing from becoming bigger issues.

• Professional help: If you’re struggling with something specific, a vet or behaviourist can give you personalised guidance.

Join us next month as we explore common puppy health conditions, including what to look out for and how to keep your Miniature Dachshund happy and healthy.